Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Metallica took center stage at the Sommet Center in Nashville on Monday night, literally. Playing from a center stage with microphone postitions facing every direction of the crowd, Metallica embraced their fans or "family" as they refer, with two hours of thrashing hits both new and old. As if the show wasn't good enough, it turned into legendary status as Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead joined the band for two songs - "Damage Case" and "Too Late".

As stated, the show had it all: Suspending, rotating coffins as part of the light show - check. Laser show - check. Explosions, flames - check. Fist pumping, head banging, mosh pits - check. Ear drum shattering beats - check. Surprise appearance from a Living God of Heavy Metal - check.

The band, coming of a six week break from touring, seemed excited and energized. Overall, the setlist was a clever mix of Death Magnetic with the standard classics.

Metallica, Death Magnetic Tour, Setlist - Nashville, TN 9/14/09

Ecstasy of Gold Intro

That Was Just Your LifeThe End Of The LineCreeping DeathHolier Than ThouOneBroken, Beat, and ScarredCyanideSad But TrueTurn The PageAll Nightmare LongThe Day That Never ComesMaster Of PuppetsBatteryNothing Else MattersEnter Sandman

Encore

Damage CaseToo Late*With Lemmy Kilmister, MotorheadSeek And Destroy

The mix of people at the show was quite diverse ranging from kids eight years old to guys in their 40's who probably saw Metallica in the early eighties for their first show. Amazed by the number of youth on the front row, James Hetfield even made a quip to the crowd between songs stating that he was fifteen before he got to attend a rock show.

Lars made several references to the crowd at the end about how much fun they had playing a surprise show at The Basement and Grimey's Record Store in Nashville back in 2008. The unique event was a surprise the night before Metallica played Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN. Only a lucky 200 or so fans attended.

I'm in my late 30's and grew up attending every show that came to town, especially during the run of 80's metal bands. I've seen Metallica specifically four times now, and I can say the Death Magnetic show is the best I've seen and heard from them. Dressed in a sea of black, the crowd matched Metallica's aggressive tone with two hours of fist pumping and salutes. It was nice to see a band give the fans their money's worth, especially with the current economic hard times.

There were a few songs I had hoped to see, Unforgiven III specifically. But, the reality is that you know you're gonna get fifteen songs and a three song encore. With that said, it would be hard to mix a show that could have been any better, especially coming from a band with such a stellar catalog.

If the Death Magnetic Tour comes to your town, don't miss it. Your family is calling.